Systems, methods, and computer products for periodic-fee limited access to videos

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and computer products for providing periodic fee limited access to videos via Internet Protocol Television. Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing video, the method including receiving a request to download a video to a communications device via an Internet-Protocol-enabled connection,, determining whether the download is permitted based on a periodic fee arrangement for providing the video to the communications device and providing the video to the communications device in response to a determination that the download is permitted.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to telecommunications, and moreparticularly, to systems, methods and computer products for providingperiodic fee limited access to videos via Internet Protocol Television.

Internet protocol television (IPTV) is a digital television deliveryservice wherein the digital television signal is delivered toresidential users via a computer network infrastructure using theInternet Protocol. Typically, IPTV services are bundled with additionalInternet services such as Internet web access and voice over Internetprotocol (VOIP). Subscribers receive IPTV services via a set-top boxthat is connected to a television or display device for the reception ofa digital signal. Used in conjunction with an IP-based platform, theset-top box allows for a subscriber to access IPTV services and anyadditional services that are integrated within the IPTV service.

IPTV service platforms allow for an increase in the interactive servicesthat can be provided to residential subscriber. As such, a subscribercan have access to a wide variety of content that is available via theIPTV service or the Internet. For example, a subscriber may utilizeinteractive services via a set top box to view IPTV content or accesstheir personal electronic messaging accounts via an Internet webbrowser. The IPTV infrastructure also allows the delivery of a varietyof video content instantly to the subscribers.

In previous generation cable and satellite based television deliverysystems, the subscriber is limited to receiving movie content either bypre-determined programming content such as network television or cablestations such as HBO. Subscribers can also receive movies “on-demand”.Subscribers can further use digital video disks (DVD) to view movies. Assuch, the subscriber can view movies independent of content provided viaIPTV or cable. However, the subscriber must buy a DVD or rent a DVD froma retail store or from a provider such as NETFLIX®. The physical DVD canpresent various problems for both the provider and the subscriber. Forexample, a DVD can be copied, therefore providing limited protection tothe provider. The DVD is subject to damage and loss that caninconvenience both the provider and the subscriber.

There exists a need for a video delivery system that provides theselectivity and flexibility of DVDs and further provides the convenienceof electronic programming provided from a provider such as a cable andIPTV provider.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing video, the methodincluding receiving a request to download a video to a communicationsdevice via an Internet-Protocol-enabled connection, determining whetherthe download is permitted based on a periodic fee arrangement forproviding the video to the communications device and providing the videoto the communications device in response to a determination that thedownload is permitted.

Additional exemplary embodiments include a system for providing video toan Internet Protocol-enabled device, the system including a computerprocessing device and a periodic fee limited access to video servicesapplication executing on the computer processing device, the periodicfee limited access to video services application receiving a request todownload a video to a communications device via anInternet-Protocol-enabled connection determining whether the download ispermitted based on a periodic fee arrangement for providing the video tothe communications device and providing the video to the communicationsdevice in response to a determination that the download is permitted.

Further exemplary embodiments include a computer program product forproviding video services to an Internet Protocol-enabled device, thecomputer program product including instructions for causing a computerto implement a method, the method comprising receiving a request todownload a video to a communications device via anInternet-Protocol-enabled connection, determining whether the downloadis permitted based on a periodic fee arrangement for providing the videoto the communications device and providing the video to thecommunications device in response to a determination that the downloadis permitted.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the exemplary embodiments, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGS.:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary periodic fee limitedaccess to video system 100;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart for a periodic limited access to videomethodology in accordance with exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a screen shot an exemplary periodic fee limitedaccess to video interface.

The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In exemplary embodiments, systems and methods provide a subscriberaccess to a limited number of videos based on the payment of a periodicfee. In exemplary embodiments, the subscriber can pay a periodic (e.g.,monthly) fee. The fee amount determines how many videos (e.g., movies)to which the subscriber has access. For example, the user may pay$25/month to view any three videos at a time, or $15/month to have theright to view any two videos at a time. In exemplary embodiments, thesubscriber is provided a “folder” that includes, for example, threevideos. The videos are selectable by the subscriber. When the subscriberaccesses the folder and selects the video, the video is streamed to thesubscriber's location, for example, a set top box. The subscriber canaccess any video in the folder at any time. In exemplary embodiments,the folders contain pointers, which provide access to the videos forstreaming to the subscriber's set top box. In further exemplaryembodiment, the videos can be stored temporarily on the subscriber'sdigital video recorder, such as in a cache. In exemplary embodiments,the subscriber may not add more videos to their folder until they havedeleted or purged a video in the folder to bring the number of videosbelow the paid-for number. After the subscriber has deleted the video,the next video in the subscriber's queue may be added, or the user maychoose another video from the library of videos. In exemplaryembodiments, the system may also allow the user to increase the numberof videos in the folder and pay another fee, as opposed to requiring theuser to delete a video from the folder. In addition, the subscriber maytravel to another location that has access to the network, and if theuser provides the correct authentication credentials, the user is ableto access the folder from that location.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary periodic feelimited access to video system 100 is now described. For ease ofillustration, the system 100 of FIG. 1 depicts a simplified networkinfrastructure. In addition, for ease of illustration, the system 100 isdescribed implementing an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system forreception of programming and scheduling. It is understood that thesystems and methods described herein can implement television andprogram-viewing systems other than IPTV. For example, the system 100 canimplement cable, satellite, and antenna.

Furthermore, it is understood that a variety of network components/nodesmay be utilized in implementing the embodiment described herein. Forexample, in exemplary embodiments, the system 100 includes a means foraccessing network services for multiple disparate devices using a singlesign on procedure. Therefore, the system 100 manages accounts, each ofwhich is established for a community of devices and/or devicesubscribers, such as those devices and subscribers in a subscriberlocation 105, which may include a communications device 110 (e.g., anIPTV-enabled television) coupled to a set top box 115. Where thecommunications device 110 is an IPTV-enabled television, the set top box115 includes a processor that provides bi-directional communicationsbetween an IPTV infrastructure 140 and the communications device 110 anddecodes the video streaming media received as content programming andonscreen programming information, from a content services providersystem 160, discussed further below. Other services can be provided tothe subscriber location 105 such as, but not limited to phone services,network services and other exemplary services such the periodic feelimited access to video services that can be implemented via thecommunications device 110. The accounts may thus include phone, networkaccess and IPTV services and may be used to provide access to theperiodic fee limited access to video services as described furtherherein. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, one of the devices (e:g.,the communications device 110) can be provisioned for the networkservices described herein by associating a device identifier of thecommunications device with a respective account. The account, in turn,identifies each of the communications devices belonging to the communityand provides other information as described herein. Furthermore, it isappreciated that other devices such as a subscriber computer 125 can befurther included in the community of devices established for thesubscriber location 105. It is appreciated that the subscriber computer125 can be local to the subscriber location 105 or can represent anyother remote computer that can be used to access the services describedherein. It is further appreciated that other remote devices can beimplemented to access the services described herein such as but notlimited to a cellular telephone (e.g. a 3G cell phone), a personalcomputer, a laptop computer, a portable computing device (e.g., personaldigital assistant), a digital music player (e.g.. MP3 player), etc.

In exemplary embodiments, one of the devices, such as the communicationsdevice 110 (and the set top box 115 combination) can be used toestablish account services, such as an access the periodic fee limitedaccess to video services described herein. An account record may begenerated for the subscriber at the subscriber location 105, whichidentifies the subscriber and the account for which the services (e.g.,basic account services as described above and the periodic fee limitedaccess to video services described herein) are accessed. Accountinformation and records may be stored in a storage device accessible byan IPTV gateway 145, discussed below. In exemplary embodiments, the IPTVgateway 145 implements one or more applications for establishing andutilizing an access the periodic fee limited access to video servicesaccount. The access to the periodic fee limited access to video servicesaccount may thus be created for a community of communications devices(e.g., the communications device 110) to enable the communicationsdevices to implement the access the periodic fee limited access to videoservices as described herein. A preferences server 150, which is coupledto the IPTV gateway 145, includes preferences information for thesubscriber location 105 as described further herein.

As discussed above, the system 100 of FIG. 1 includes the subscriber

location 105, such as the subscriber's household. The subscriberlocation 105 can include the communications device 110 (e.g., anIPTV-enabled television) in communication with the set top box 115. Thesubscriber location 105 can further include a personal digital recordersuch as a digital video recorder (DVR) 120, which is in communicationwith the communication device 110 and the set top box 115. It isunderstood that the set top box 115 and the DVR. 120 may be two separatedevices or be a single integrated device. In exemplary embodiments, theDVR 120 is hard-disk based, but may have other suitable storage mediasuch as a cache, 121. It is appreciated that the DVR 120 can have othersuitable memory devices for receiving and storing programming andscheduling data. Therefore, a “memory” or “recording medium” can be anymeans that contains, stores, communicates, propagates, or transports theprogram and/or data for use by or in conjunction with an instructionexecution system, apparatus or device. Memory and recording medium canbe, but are not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, apparatus or device.Memory an recording medium also includes, but is not limited to, forexample the following: a portable computer diskette, a random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), and a portable compact diskread-only memory or another suitable medium upon which a program and/ordata may be stored.

The subscriber location 105 can further include a remote control 111 forcontrol and navigation of the communications device 110, which can beused to select and view videos on the communications device 110. Asdiscussed above, the subscriber location 105 can further include one ormore remote devices in its community of devices. For example, the remotedevices can include the remote computer 125. In exemplary embodiments,the remote subscriber computer 125 can be part of the subscriberlocation 105 or a computer that is accessed remotely in order to accessthe periodic fee limited access to video services for control,management and scheduling of video content from the content provider 160to the subscriber location 105 for rendering on the communicationsdevice 110. It is therefore appreciated that access to the periodic feelimited access to video services can be managed from locations remote tothe subscriber location 105. It is understood by those skilled in theart that the remote subscriber computer 125 can include input and outputdevices, such as but not limited to a mouse, a keyboard, etc. Asdiscussed further below, the aforementioned devices can all interactwith the IPTV infrastructure 140 and the IPTV gateway 145. It isappreciated that any of the aforementioned devices can implement theperiodic fee limited access to video services. In exemplary embodiments,the communications devices herein can have a network address associatedwith the communications devices such as an addressable uniform resourcelocator (URL), an Internet address, etc.

In exemplary embodiments, the system 100 can manage and view videosthrough the subscriber's IPTV-enabled device, such as the communicationsdevice 110, via the set top box 115, the remote devices (e.g., theremote subscriber, computer 125) or other suitable device. As such, tocoordinate IPTV communication, the system 100 may further include theIPTV gateway 145 that is in communication with the IPTV infrastructure140. The IPTV infrastructure 140 and the IPTV gateway 145 are used inconjunction to communicate via a network 135. For example, a suitabledevice (e.g., the communications device 110) at the subscriber location105 can implement the IPTV infrastructure 140 and the IPTV gateway 145to communicate with the content server 160.

The network 135 can be an IP-based network for communication between thecontent server 160 and the subscriber location 105 using communicationdevices such as but not limited to the communications device 110 (viathe set top box 115, for example). The network 135 can be implemented totransmit content from the content server 160 to the subscriber location105 via a broadband connection, for example. In exemplary embodiments,the network 135 can be a managed IP network administered by a serviceprovider. The network 135 can also be implemented in a wireless fashion,e.g., using wireless protocols and technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Max,etc. The network 135 can also be a cellular communications network, afixed wireless network, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wirelesswide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), intranet,metropolitan area network, Internet network, or other similar type ofnetwork environment or other suitable network system and includesequipment for receiving and transmitting signals. In other exemplaryembodiments, the network 135 can be a circuit-switched network such as astandard public switched telephone network (PSTN).

In exemplary embodiments, the IPTV infrastructure 140 can be an IP-basednetwork that receives network data (e.g., videos) from the contentserver 160 and the preferences server 150, and delivers the network datato the set top box 115 for display or other rendering on thecommunications device 110. Alternatively, the network data can be fordisplay or rendering on the remote subscriber computer 125 or othersuitable device.

In exemplary embodiments, as discussed above, the IPTV infrastructure140 provides an interface between the subscriber location 105 and theIPTV gateway 145. In exemplary implementations, a notification server141 and a terminal server 142 operate to interface communication betweenthe subscriber location 105 via the set top box 115, and the IPTVgateway 145. For example, in exemplary implementations, the set top box115 can provide a unique identification number so that the IPTV gateway145 can route the network data to the set top box 115. The IPTV gateway145 provides an interface between the content server 160, the IPTVinfrastructure 140 and the subscriber location 105. Furthermore, inexemplary embodiments, the IPTV gateway 145 handles notifications (e.g.,via email) to the IPTV subscriber location 105 and can further provide ahistory of the notifications. For example, as described further below,when the subscriber selects videos for viewing, the selected videorequest can be sent to the content server 160 from the subscriberlocation 105 as an email message via the IPTV gateway 145. In addition,any confirmation message sent from the content server 160 can be sent tothe subscriber location 105 as an email message via the IPTV gateway145. Furthermore, when the subscriber sets up his/her desired periodicfee limited access to videos services on the communications device 110(or other device in subscriber location, remote device, etc.), one ofthe network components of the system 100 (e.g., the set top box 115, theIPTV gateway 145 the host server 125) can store specific schedulinginformation that the subscriber has created. Any changes to theinformation can be passed between the subscriber location 105 and thecontent server 160 via messages as described. In addition, thesubscriber can access and manipulate desired periodic fee limited accessto videos information via an interface (see FIG. 3 below) that can berendered on one of the communications devices such as the communicationsdevice 110. The interface can be stored locally on the set top box 115or on the IPTV gateway 145.

In exemplary embodiments, the IPTV gateway 145 can further interfacewith the various system 100 elements as described herein. For example,the IPTV gateway 145 is in communication with the preferences server 150to pass notifications and messages (e.g., email messages) regardingpermissions to create and edit the periodic fee limited access to videosservices information. For example, different members of the subscriberlocation 105 who share account services may have different viewingschedules. For example, one member may have a unique viewing scheduleand another member may have a second unique viewing schedule with littleto no overlap with the first viewing schedule. As such, each member canretrieve and edit those different schedules and be properlyauthenticated to retrieve and edit those schedules.

In exemplary embodiments, the IPTV gateway 145 can include a back end146 and a front end 147. The front end 147 can be used to implementvarious provisioning activities such as but not limited to initialprovisioning of IPTV addresses for the devices at subscriber location105. The back end 146 can be implemented for many of the periodic feelimited access to videos services, such as communicating with thecontent server 160 and retrieving viewing data from a database 165 andpassing messages and notification to the IPTV gateway 145. As such, theback end 146 can include various elements including but not limited to acaller ID handler, SMS handler, message handler, provisioning handler,etc.

In exemplary embodiments, the IPTV gateway 145 may implement,authentication using a high-speed processing device (e.g., a computersystem) that is capable of handling high volume activities conducted viacommunications devices, and other network entities (e.g., parts of theIPTV infrastructure 140, network 135) via one or more networks (e.g.,the IPTV infrastructure 140). The IPTV gateway 145 receives requestsfrom one or more devices from the subscriber location 105 to accessnetwork services, such as the periodic fee limited access to videosservices. The IPTV gateway 145 may implement authentication software forrestricting or controlling access to network. The IPTV gateway 145 maybe in communication with a customer identity system (CIS) database,which stores subscriber credentials (e.g. subscriber names andpasswords) established via the periodic fee limited access to videosservices account.

In exemplary embodiments, the system 100 can further include a periodicfee limited access to videos services application 155 that can reside onthe IPTV gateway 145. In exemplary embodiments, the periodic fee limitedaccess to videos services application 155 can be implemented by thesubscriber to set up a folder 156 to store data that is related to thevideos that the subscriber has identified for viewing based on the paidfee. As discussed above, when the subscriber accesses the folder 156 andselects the video, the video is streamed to the subscriber's location105, for example, to the set top box 115, for rendering on thecommunications device 110. In exemplary embodiments, the folders 156contain pointers to the content server 160, and specifically to a videoresiding on the database 165. The pointers, in turn, provide access tothe videos stored in the database 165 for streaming to the subscriber'sset top box 115. In further exemplary embodiment, the videos can bestored temporarily on the subscriber's digital video recorder 120, suchas in the cache 121. For example, the content can be trickle charged tothe DVR 120 and subsequently deleted as the subscriber views the video.To prevent unauthorized copying, only a limited portion of the video istrickle charged and subsequently deleted as the video is viewed,according to exemplary embodiments. In this way, the subscriber haslimited capabilities, such as pause and rewind, while still beingprevented from copying the content. Furthermore, in exemplaryembodiments, the subscriber-may not add more videos to their folder 156until they have deleted or purged a video in the folder to bring thenumber of videos below the paid-for number. After the user has deletedthe video, the next video in the subscriber's queue may be added, or theuser may choose another video from the library of videos.

In exemplary embodiments, if the interface that provides access to thefolder 156 is stored on the IPTV gateway 145, messages and notificationscan be passed between the subscriber location 105 and the IPTV gateway145 that include present scheduling and historic scheduling that thesubscriber has created in the past. Furthermore, if any changes in thesubscribers scheduled videos have occurred, messages can be passed tothe subscriber location 105 (or the remote device 125) to notify thesubscriber that a program scheduled to be viewed has changed. Thesubscriber can make changes accordingly.

In exemplary embodiments, as discussed above, the system 100 furtherincludes the content server 160, which is in communication with the IPTVgateway 145 via the network 135. In exemplary embodiments, the contentserver 160 is implemented by a host system (e.g., a high-speedprocessing device) that provides content to its subscribers (e.g., asubscriber of the communications device 110), such as televisionprograms, premium programming services, video on demand content, andInternet/Web content (e.g., podcasts, streaming media, etc.) and videosrequested via the periodic fee limited access to videos services. Inexemplary embodiments, the content is transmitted to the subscribers(e.g., at the subscriber location 105) via a broadband connection overan Internet Protocol (IP)-based network (e.g., the network 135). Thecontent server 160 can also provide an onscreen programming guide tosubscribers that provides information about current and futureprogramming available via the content providers' services, such asvideos that are to be available in the future. Programming informationprovided by the onscreen programming guide may include current andfuture program listings including but not limited to program titles,primary actors/actresses, begin time, duration of program, a year inwhich the program was produced, and a brief text description of theprogram. The programming guide can further provide access to the videosavailable via the periodic fee limited access to videos services.

In exemplary embodiments, the content server 160 is coupled to thedatabase 165, which can include the videos for viewing as discussed. Inaddition, the database 165 can include one or more playlists foravailable videos. In one implementation, the database 165 may also berepresentative of a given play list for certain available videos. A playlist can be associated with a particular program screen. For example, aplay list can be generated for a given screen that is displayed for aview on the communications device 110. As a subscriber is browsingthrough videos for selection, a different play list is accessed by anddisplayed on the communications device 110 from the content server 160.In exemplary embodiments, play lists can include programming content, aswell as programming schedules for the content (e.g., onscreenprogramming guide information). In exemplary embodiments, the database165 stores records of programming events scheduled for transmission tocustomers, such as communications device. These records, in turn, can beused in conjunction with the periodic fee limited access to videosservices to schedule viewings. In exemplary embodiments, access to thedatabase 165 and the associated communication between the database 165and the subscriber location 105 can be implemented by the periodic feelimited access to videos services application 155 via pointers stored inthe folder 156.

In exemplary embodiments, upon a request from the subscriber location105, the IPTV gateway 145 can coordinate obtaining the video from thedatabase 165 and provide the acquired data (e.g., playlists and selectedvideos) for display and rendering at the subscriber location 105. Asdescribed, the coordination of acquiring the data and ultimatelydisplaying the data on the communications device 110 (or other device)is implemented via the periodic fee limited access to videos servicesapplication 155. Furthermore, the periodic fee limited access to videosservices application 155 coordinates the transfer of the program datafrom the database 165 for rendering on the communications device 110. Itis appreciated that since the content is either streamed via a pointerform the folder 156 or trickled charged to the DVR 120, the content isunavailable to the subscriber for actual recording, according toexemplary embodiments. As such, the provider of content server 160 hasprotection from unauthorized copying of the content.

FIG. 2 illustrates a How chart for a periodic limited access to videomethodology 200 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As discussedabove, the subscriber can pay a fee for a limited number of videospermitted to be viewed during a particular time period at step 205. Forexample, the subscriber can pay $25 to view three videos at any timeduring a one month period. In exemplary embodiments, the subscriber cancreate a queue into which the subscriber can select an unlimited numberof videos for future viewing. It is appreciated that the queue can becreated by implementing the periodic fee limited access to videosservices application 155. The queue can therefore be associated with theperiodic fee limited access to videos services application 155 and thefolder 156. At step 210, the subscriber can select videos for placementinto the queue. At step 215, the subscriber can then update the folder156 with the permitted number of videos to view. At a time when thesubscriber desires to view a video, the subscriber can request a videofor viewing at step 220. As described above, the subscriber can selectvideos for placement in the queue or the folder 156 and for viewing viaa periodic fee limited access to videos services interface (see FIG. 3below). Once the subscriber requests a video for viewing, the video isstreamed to the subscriber's communications device 1 10 at step 225. Asdescribed above, the content server 160 provides the video from thedatabase 165 and streams the video via the IPTV gateway 145 and IPTVinfrastructure 140 to the set top box 115. A pointer provided in thefolder 156 provides the necessary data structures to provide thestreaming of the video without actually having to store the video on theDVR 120 for example. As such, the content provider is protected fromunauthorized copying of the video. In addition, it is appreciated thatif the subscriber does not have a DVR, such as the DVR 120, the videocan still be provided by streaming. In other exemplary embodiments, thevideo can be trickle charged to the DVR 120 (e.g., the cache 121) anderased upon viewing. In this way the subscriber has limited ability topause and rewind the video, without having foil access to the video.

In exemplary embodiments, upon viewing the video, the video selection isdeleted from the folder 156 and the queue at step 230. At step 235, thenext video is tagged for viewing. For example, if the subscriber has putone video into the folder 156 at step 215, but has placed a large numberof videos into the queue, the next movie in the queue is placed into thefolder 156. At step 240, the methodology 200 determines if thesubscriber has exhausted the folder 156 of the number of permittedvideos associated with the fee that the subscriber paid for a givenperiod (e.g., one month) at step 205. If the subscriber has notexhausted the number of permitted videos, then the user can request thenext video for viewing at step 220. If the user has exhausted the numberof permitted videos for that period, the subscriber can be promptedwhether or not the subscriber would like to increase the number ofpermitted videos for that period at step 245. II the subscriber doesdesire to increase the number of videos, the subscriber can pay a newfee at step 205, and the subsequent steps can be repeated. If thesubscriber does not want to increase the number of permitted videos forthe period at step 245 then at step 250, the subscriber waits for thenext period to begin in which new videos can be selected at step 210. Itis appreciated that the user does not necessarily have to select any newvideos for the queue at step 210, so the flow can proceed to step 215and the subsequent steps. It is further appreciated that the subscribercan be billed for each period in a number of ways known in the art, suchas but not limited monthly billing from the content provider.

FIG. 3 illustrates a screen shot of an exemplary periodic fee limitedaccess to video interface 300, which can be accessed and displayed onthe communications device 110, or any of the other subscriber devices atthe subscriber location 105. As described above, the subscriber canselect videos from a listing provided by the content server 160 from thedatabase 165. In exemplary embodiments, the listing can be storedlocally on the set top box 115 or on the IPTV gateway 145 via theperiodic fee limited access to videos services application 155, and belocally accessed to populate a listings field 305 on the interface 300.The listing can be periodically updated by the content server 160. Inexemplary embodiments, the subscriber can search through the listing viaa search field 310 by entering various criteria types including, but notlimited to movie title, actors, genre, key words, etc. It is appreciatedthat there are various search methods known in the art that can beimplemented for the search field 310. The user can use a select key 315to place a video into a queue field 320. It is appreciated that thesubscriber can navigate the interface 300 with the remote control 111when the interface is displayed on the communications device 110. Theuser can selectively delete videos from the queue field 320 by markingthe selection and pressing a delete button 325. The subscriber canfurther use a select button 330 to place videos into a folder field 335.Similarly, the user can use a select button 345 to view a video. Whenthe select button 345 is pressed, the video is streamed to thesubscriber location 105 as described above according to exemplaryembodiments. The subscriber can also use a delete button 340 toselectively remove videos from the folder field 335. It is appreciated!that the interface 300 as illustrated is for illustrative purposes.Those skilled in the art appreciate that other layouts of the interface300 may be provided

As described above, the exemplary embodiments can be in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. The exemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computerprogram code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such asfloppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readablestorage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded intoand executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus forpracticing the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments can alsobe in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored ina storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, ortransmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and/or executedby a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such asover electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or viaelectromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code isloaded into an executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatusfor practicing the exemplary embodiments. When implemented on ageneral-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segmentsconfigure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include all embodimentsfalling within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the use of the termsfirst, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but ratherthe terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one clement fromanother. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote alimitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least oneof the referenced item.

1. A method for providing video, the method comprising: receiving arequest to download a video to a communications device via anInternet-Protocol-enabled connection; determining whether the downloadis permitted based on a periodic fee arrangement for providing the videoto the communications device: and providing the video to thecommunications device in response to a determination that the downloadis permitted.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a download ofa video is permitted upon a determination that a fee has been paid. 3.The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a download of the video ispermitted upon a determination that a lee has been paid and that a priornumber of video downloads is not in excess of a predetermined number. 4.The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a download of the video ispermitted upon a-determination that a fee has been paid, that a priornumber of video downloads is not in excess of a predetermined numberduring a predetermined time period.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1further comprising accessing a folder to determine the location of thevideo to retrieve in order to provide the video to the communicationsdevice.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the folder includesa pointer to the video in a database.
 7. The method as claimed in claim1 herein providing the video to the communications device comprisesstreaming the video to the communications device.
 8. The method asclaimed in claim 1 wherein providing the video to the communicationsdevice comprises trickle charging the video to a device coupled to thecommunications device.
 9. A system for providing video to an InternetProtocol-enabled device, the system comprising: a computer processingdevice; and a periodic lee limited access to video services applicationexecuting on the computer processing device, the periodic fee limitedaccess to video services application: receiving a request to download avideo to a communications device via an Internet-Protocol-enabledconnection; determining whether the download is permitted based on aperiodic fee arrangement for providing the video to the communicationsdevice; and providing the video to the communications device in responseto a determination that the download is permitted.
 10. The system asclaimed in claim 9 wherein a download of a video is permitted upon adetermination that a fee has been paid.
 11. The system as claimed inclaim 9 wherein a download of the video is permitted upon adetermination that a fee has been paid and that a prior number of videodownloads is not in excess of a predetermined number.
 12. The system asclaimed in claim 9 wherein a download of the video is permitted upon adetermination that a fee has been paid, that a prior number of videodownloads is not in excess of a predetermined number during apredetermined time period.
 13. The system as claimed in claim 9 whereinthe periodic fee limited access to video services application furtheraccesses a folder to determine the location of the video to retrieve inorder to provide the video to the Internet Protocol-enabled: device, thefolder including a pointer to the video in a database.
 14. The system asclaimed in claim 9 herein providing the video to the e InternetProtocol-enabled device comprises streaming the video to the InternetProtocol-enabled device.
 15. The system as claimed in claim 9 whereinproviding the video to the communications device comprises tricklecharging the video to a device coupled to the internet Protocol-enableddevice.
 16. A computer program product for providing video services toan Internet Protocol-enabled device, the computer program productincluding instructions for causing a computer to implement a method, themethod comprising: receiving a request to download a video to acommunications device via an Internet-Protocol-enabled connection;determining, whether the download is permitted based on a periodic feearrangement for providing the video to the communications device: andproviding the video to the communications device in response to adetermination that the download is permitted.
 17. The computer programproduct as claimed in claim 16 wherein a download of the video ispermitted upon a determination that a fee has been paid and that a priornumber of video downloads is not in excess of a predetermined number.18. The computer program product as claimed in claim 16 wherein adownload of the video is permitted upon a determination that a fee hasbeen paid, that a prior number of video downloads is not in excess of apredetermined number during a predetermined time period.
 19. Thecomputer program product as claimed in claim 16 wherein the methodfurther comprises accessing a folder to determine the location of thevideo to retrieve in order to provide the video to the InternetProtocol-enabled device, the folder including a pointer to the video ina database.
 20. The computer program product as claimed in claim 16wherein providing the video to the Internet Protocol-enabled devicecomprises at least one of streaming the video to the InternetProtocol-enabled device and trickle charging the video to a devicecoupled lo the Internet Protocol-enabled device.